Infectious disease among residents of nursing homes

The problem of infection in the elderly is combined with the unique challenges of a closed environment in the nursing home. Residents are at a high risk for the development of bacteremia, skin and soft tissue infections, pneumonia, urinary tract infection, and tuberculosis. Infections are more frequently due to organisms with decreased sensitivity to antibiotics such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant enterococci, and may be associated with more severe complications. An organized approach to preventing infection and early intervention for established cases can greatly reduce morbidity and mortality.